What should be done if a rat is choking and opening its mouth at home? - briefly
If a rat is choking and opens its mouth, carefully restrain it upright, use blunt tweezers or a tiny suction bulb to remove any visible obstruction, then transport it to a veterinarian without delay.
What should be done if a rat is choking and opening its mouth at home? - in detail
If a pet rat shows signs of airway obstruction—mouth open, labored breathing, coughing, or gagging—immediate action is required.
First, secure the animal gently but firmly to prevent injury. Hold the rat in the palm of one hand, supporting the back with the thumb, while the other hand stabilizes the head. Keep the body horizontal to avoid worsening the blockage.
Next, attempt to clear the airway:
- Open the mouth by applying gentle pressure at the corners of the jaw with the thumb and forefinger.
- Use a blunt, sterilized instrument (such as a tweezers with rounded tips) to inspect the oral cavity. If a visible foreign object is present and can be grasped without pushing it deeper, remove it carefully.
- If no object is seen, perform a series of back blows. Position the rat with its head lower than its torso, then deliver 3–5 firm strikes to the upper back using the heel of your hand. Observe whether the obstruction clears after each attempt.
- Should back blows be ineffective, administer a single abdominal thrust. Place one hand over the rat’s abdomen just behind the ribcage, compress gently but firmly upward and forward, mimicking a Heimlich maneuver scaled for a small rodent. Repeat up to three times, monitoring for expulsion of the blockage.
After each maneuver, reassess breathing. If the rat resumes normal respiration, keep it warm and quiet while monitoring for residual distress. If the animal remains silent, shows no breath, or the obstruction persists, proceed to emergency veterinary care without delay.
Contact a veterinarian immediately. If transport is possible, place the rat in a secure, ventilated carrier, maintain body temperature with a warm cloth, and avoid further manipulation that could cause injury.
Preventive measures include:
- Removing small, chewable items that can be swallowed.
- Providing appropriate chew toys made of safe materials.
- Regularly inspecting the cage for debris that could be ingested.
Rapid, decisive intervention combined with prompt professional assistance maximizes the chance of survival for a choking rat.